Solitude's mid mountain Roundhouse
offers a calming atmosphere. It's a place to settle down and savor
food specialties, great views, and quiet conversation.

The Roundhouse is mid-mountain at 8,500
feet. While locals take elevation for granted, many visitors get a
thrill at being up at altitude. Inside, the high mountain theme
continues with the Himalayan Grill. There's a selection of vegetarian
and meat dishes with far away sounding names. Lunch selections
include Saag Paneer, a sauteed spinach and cheese dish; Dal Bhet, a
lentil and vegetable stew combination; and a braised lamb curry with
vegetables and Himalayan spices. The names alone will carry you away.
Lunchtime becomes its own vacation.

Savory dishes start here / photo: Harriet Wallis

The second floor of the Roundhouse
includes a huge firepit where skiers and riders can warm up or just
relax and watch the flickering flames. Fireplaces used to be
traditional ski lodge elements, but most have disappeared over the
years. Solitude's firepit brings the tradition back. And the peaked
windows offer extreme views of the slopes and the evergreen and aspen forest.

Quiet conversation with a view / photo: Harriet Wallis

Historically, Solitude's
Roundhouse was one of the resort's original buildings. Over the years, additions were added, and in the spring of 2016, just after the resort closed for the season, the additions burned. But the original two-story concrete building and its circular fireplace withstood the fire. The building was reconditioned and upgraded, and the
Roundhouse continues as Solitude's iconic mid-mountain retreat.

The deck outside provides a front row
seat for watching downhill action in the formidable the Sunshine
Bowl. Or choose a woodland view. The aspen forest comes right up to
the deck.